Inside the Hokage Office.
Jiraiya still used his familiar method of entering the Hokage Office through the window.
"Old man, I'm back."
Hearing those words from the window, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately looked over, a smile appearing in his eyes.
"Jiraiya, you've finally returned."
At that moment, the old man finally showed a sincere smile.
Hiruzen Sarutobi truly regarded Jiraiya as one of his own children or nephews, not merely as a disciple.
"Say, old man, are you still unwilling to let go of the power in your hands?"
Jiraiya had no intention of reminiscing too much with Hiruzen Sarutobi or engaging in hypocritical conversation.
So, right from the start, he directly asked the most important question.
Hearing Jiraiya's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi understood his nature too well to conceal anything, and then sighed.
"Look at Konoha as it is now."
"From the outside, everything appears calm and peaceful. But on the inside, turbulent waves are everywhere."
"Leaving aside everything else, you should know about what has happened recently. The Uchiha Clan's strength cannot be underestimated, so I had no choice but to call you back."
As Hiruzen Sarutobi said this, a trace of gloom appeared in his eyes.
At this point, Jiraiya began voicing his own opinion.
"Old man, there are some things we both understand. There's no need to deceive yourself."
Jiraiya was no fool. Although when he first studied under Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had been the least talented and least intelligent of the three.
But he had lived in the ninja world for so many years now. It was not as though he had made no progress at all, and he could clearly see what Hiruzen Sarutobi's actions were truly for.
"Enough, stop beating around the bush with me. Other than having me come back to add some combat